Jiraiya

Biodata

Background / History

Jiraiya was once a double “Dead Last” in both theory and practical combat at the Ninja Academy. His acceptance as Sarutobi Hiruzen’s disciple surprised those around him, but Orochimaru later recognized that Jiraiya concealed extraordinary diligence beneath his foolish exterior. That effort culminated in his mastery of Sage Mode. 15

His connection to Mount Myōboku is a family inheritance rather than a chance discovery. The summoning contractors preceding him were his ancestors or their teachers, and his parents brought him to Mount Myōboku while he was still an infant. Sage Shima helped care for him at that time. His grandfather and great-grandfather were among the practitioners who failed to balance natural energy and became stone toads. 330 512 564

He became one of Konoha’s Sannin alongside Tsunade and Orochimaru. After the trio gained fame, their duties separated them: Jiraiya remained in the Land of Rain to care for war orphans, Tsunade travelled as a healer, and Orochimaru pursued experimentation. 24

During the Second Ninja World War, Jiraiya trained Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan for three years. Though they were refugees from a nation harmed by the great powers, he taught them ninjutsu out of compassion and placed particular hope in Nagato’s Rinnegan and the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy. 31 82 890

Jiraiya and Liao Wu were close friends during their academy years. He once considered allowing Liao Wu to sign Mount Myōboku’s Summoning Scroll, but Hiruzen opposed the idea because of the political implications of giving an Uchiha access to the sage region. Following Liao Wu’s apparent death at Kannabi Bridge, Jiraiya helped Minato and Tsunade raise a cenotaph for him. 2 6

Jiraiya fought Madara Uchiha beside Tsunade and Orochimaru, but Sage Mode was insufficient to overcome Madara’s power. He was stabbed through the heart after pushing Orochimaru out of Madara’s path. After being critically injured, he urged Konoha to unite the ninja villages against Madara before Sage Fukasaku revived him and brought him to Mount Myōboku for treatment. The Slug Sage subsequently preserved his heart meridian, allowing him to recover. 31 33 37 38 58

He later entered Uchiha-controlled Amegakure to rescue Tsunade from her coerced marriage to Liao Wu. Though Minato marked him with the Flying Thunder God Technique as an emergency escape measure, Jiraiya chose to press forward with the Two Great Toad Sages. 158 160

Jiraiya eventually died protecting Tsunade from Danzō’s Vacuum Bullet. Liao Wu and his companions later revived him using the Sage Talisman provided by the Great Toad Sage, whose life-giving Sage Chakra restored his preserved body. 530 595

During a later investigation of Akatsuki, Jiraiya confronted Nagato and Konan in Amegakure. The Two Great Toad Sages interrupted the battle with an urgent prophecy about an evil force from the past, leading him to investigate the Rōran Ruins instead. After returning to Konoha, he reported what he had learned about Nagato, the Six Paths of Pain, and the other emerging threats. 891 893 913

He subsequently supported Naruto’s early senjutsu training and joined Konoha’s response to Sasuke’s activities in Kumogakure. With Tsunade’s approval, he departed for the Land of Lightning alongside Kakashi, Sakura, and Sai. 928 947 1006 1007

Appearance

Jiraiya is a tall, middle-aged man with long white hair, red facial markings, and sharp, eagle-like eyes. He commonly wears a dark-green traditional ninja uniform. 158 160

• In Sage Mode, he is accompanied by Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima on his shoulders. 160
• His earlier, incomplete Sage Mode produced toad-like bumps across his face, unlike Minato’s more complete transformation. 98
• His hair can rapidly lengthen, harden, and function as a weapon or shield. 31 165
• He was repeatedly shown wearing bandages after his battles with Madara and Liao Wu. 113 163
• During his arrival in Takigakure, he wore a bright-red sleeveless cloak and a forehead protector bearing the character for “oil.” 269

Personality

Jiraiya is compassionate, stubborn, and intensely protective of his comrades. He repeatedly places others before himself: refusing to abandon Tsunade in Amegakure, seeking to protect civilians during his confrontation with Ryobu, and sacrificing himself to shield Tsunade from a fatal attack. 156 161 530

He views teaching as a lasting responsibility. Although Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko became enemies of Konoha’s interests, Jiraiya continued to regard them as his disciples and resolved to guide them back from Akatsuki’s path. 890

After escaping his later confrontation with Nagato, Jiraiya admitted that he felt responsible for his former student’s turn toward violence. He wondered whether staying longer to teach Nagato could have changed the outcome. 928

His resolve is offset by a lecherous and unserious public persona. His lustful nature was notably exploited by Ryobu’s Reverse Harem Technique and Pure Land genjutsu, while his habit of gathering intelligence in adult establishments was cited as a reason he was unsuited to become Hokage. 163 164 874

Despite that persona, the narrative distinguishes his flirtation from an uncontrolled pursuit of gratification. His visits to adult establishments, teasing, and writing also serve as expressions of sociability and ways of concealing loneliness. He retains personal boundaries and refuses to accept a random relationship arranged for him merely because his love for Tsunade is unfulfilled. 596

He is aware that Tsunade does not reciprocate his romantic feelings. During the wedding rescue, he explicitly states that he would bless an honorable marriage of her choosing and that his intervention is to save a comrade from coercion, not to claim her for himself. 156 160

Jiraiya values freedom and says he is unsuited to the Hokage’s office because he prefers living without its restrictions. Nevertheless, his loyalty to Konoha remains strong enough to create painful conflicts with his affection for defected friends and students. 527 874

Beneath his optimism lies a deeply tragic outlook shaped by repeated losses. Minato and Kushina’s deaths left him struggling for a long time, and he interprets Hiruzen’s final encounter with Orochimaru partly through the affection a parent retains for a wayward child. 928 929

His pride as a teacher persists even after Naruto becomes stronger than him. Before departing for Kumogakure, he acknowledges Naruto’s extraordinary abilities but insists that he remains Naruto’s teacher and should not require his student to take responsibility for every dangerous mission. 1007

Abilities & Skills

Sage Mode

Jiraiya is a Mount Myōboku sage capable of sensing chakra and natural energy, enhancing his durability, perception, and ninjutsu.

• Can sense opponents through obscuring fog and locate their chakra without direct sight. 165
• His sage-enhanced body endured attacks that would otherwise be fatal, though Madara still overwhelmed him. 31
• His Sage Chakra requires a balance of natural, physical, and mental energy; prolonged combat overloads his body and mind. 30
• His personal Sage Chakra conversion rate is low, making the Two Great Toad Sages essential for sustained combat. 30
• His Sage Mode was initially visibly incomplete, and he later acknowledged that Minato’s transformation was more complete than his own. 98 235
• During the confrontation over the Seven-Tails, he returned to what the narrative describes as his most complete form of Sage Mode, with both Great Toad Sages on his shoulders. 293
• His ordinary Mount Myōboku senjutsu is distinct from Six Paths Sage Mode. When first asked about the latter, he could not use it and proposed consulting Mount Myōboku’s records. 320
• He believes Naruto has greater potential for senjutsu than either himself or Minato and recommended that Mount Myōboku begin Naruto’s training early. 947

Two Great Toad Sages

Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima serve as Jiraiya’s combat partners, refining Sage Chakra, providing sensory support, and performing combination techniques with him.

• They can refine Sage Chakra for Jiraiya while he fights, alleviating his inability to maintain it alone. 30
• They can dispel genjutsu by disrupting Jiraiya’s chakra flow from outside. 164
• They act as Jiraiya’s eyes when he cannot safely look into an opponent’s Sharingan. 164
• Their combined strength allowed Jiraiya to knock Liao Wu away in close combat. 164
• They rescued him from Ryobu through Reverse Summoning after he was left incapacitated. 168
• During his later confrontation with Nagato, they brought him the Great Toad Sage’s warning and directed him toward Rōran. 891

Sage Art and Combination Ninjutsu

Jiraiya combines Sage Mode with the Two Great Sages’ oil and wind releases to create high-output attacks.

• Sage Art: Fire Style: Great Fireball — A sage-enhanced, oil-based fireball with power described as at least ten times greater than his ordinary version. 31
• Sage Art: Fire Style: Toad Oil Flame Bullet — Fukasaku and Shima supply toad oil while Jiraiya ignites it, producing a battlefield-spanning sea of fire. An earlier variation used Jiraiya’s sage-enhanced toad oil and Shima’s Sage Fire Style to burn away Madara’s Tree World domain. 29 165
• Sage Art: Gama-Gama — Jiraiya’s strongest combined Sage Art with Fukasaku and Shima; its sage fire can burn through Wood Style. 167
• Toad Song — The Two Great Sages’ genjutsu can drag targets into a Mount Myōboku illusion space; it once controlled Madara at the outset of its activation. 25
• Sage Art: Super Big Ball Rasengan — Creates a house-sized Rasengan. Jiraiya used it against Liao Wu’s Crimson Jade Rasengan and as a shield against the resulting explosion. 165
• Sage Art: Super Tailed Beast Rasengan — A giant Rasengan Jiraiya used in a coordinated attack with Minato and Shisui against Ryobu. 289

Hair Techniques

Jiraiya uses his hair as a versatile weapon and defense.

• Hair Needle Senbon — Fires hardened hair as a wide-ranging barrage of piercing senbon. 31
• Sage Art: Needle Jizō — Encases him in steel-hard hair; in Sage Mode, it withstood Liao Wu’s Raikiri. 165
• Wild Lion’s Mane Technique — Forms his hair into a lion-like mane that can seize targets and dismiss summoned creatures. 890

Toad Summoning and Mobility

Jiraiya inherited Mount Myōboku’s summoning contract and can call on toads ranging from stealth specialists to giant combatants.

• Summoned the Toad Three Brothers against Liao Wu. 165
• Used Summoning: Toad Hiding Technique to conceal himself inside a stealth toad and evade Ryobu’s Ghost Lantern Technique. 168
• Can use Reverse Summoning through the Mount Myōboku toads for emergency extraction. 168
• Later entrusted the Mount Myōboku Summoning Scroll to his disciple Shisui. 332
• Summoned Gama Bunta to help hold off Fish Ball while Konoha’s reconnaissance shinobi escaped. 761
• Summoned Gama Ken to hold off the Animal Path’s beasts, including an invisible chameleon, a regenerative Hellhound, and the aerial Yatagarasu. 891

Fire Style and Other Ninjutsu

Jiraiya is a versatile ninjutsu user beyond his sage techniques.

• Fire Style: Flame Bullet — Burned away Konan’s restraining paper during his Amegakure infiltration. 890
• Toad Flat Shadow Manipulation Technique — Allowed him to evade Konan’s paper restraints by turning into a half-body shadow. 890
• Big Ball Rasengan — Used a large Rasengan in coordinated attacks against Ryobu. 279
• Wind Style: Gale Palm — Releases a wide-area gale from chakra concentrated in his hands. 279
• Wind Style: Toad Iron Cannon — Combines his Gale Palm with Gama Ken’s water cannon. The resulting attack clashed evenly with the repulsive wind released through Liao Wu’s Susanoo. 279
• Earth Flow Rampart — Raised an earthen defense to shield Takigakure’s shinobi when the Seven-Tails prepared a Tailed Beast Ball. 271
• Earth Style and Toad Shield — Used to restrain Ryobu temporarily while protecting Konoha’s Anbu. 281
• Shadow Clone Technique — Left a clone with the retreating Konoha group while his original body proceeded with the mission to rescue Tsunade. 156
• During the later fight with Nagato, the Animal Path’s regenerative Hellhound was destroyed by an unexplained force as it pursued Jiraiya into the drainage pipes. The incident startled Nagato, but the technique involved was not identified. 891

Intelligence Gathering

Jiraiya is regarded as Konoha’s foremost infiltrator and intelligence gatherer.

• Recognized that ninja combat depends heavily on intelligence, particularly after identifying the Rinnegan’s connection to Madara and Nagato. 38
• Reported that Liao Wu had inherited the First Hokage’s power and mastered Wood Style, while predicting that his opposition to the Moon Eye Plan would eventually turn him against Madara. 178
• Discovered Akatsuki’s leader was based in sealed-off Amegakure and warned Tsunade of the village’s hidden conflict. 873
• Volunteered to infiltrate Amegakure alone despite knowing the mission was likely fatal. 874
• During his later infiltration, he was detected immediately by Nagato’s Rain Tiger Will Technique and exposed by Konan. 889 890
• Learned that Nagato intended to use the Tailed Beasts to create a nation-destroying weapon and deter future wars through fear. 891
• While concealed at the Rōran Ruins, observed the Six Paths of Pain, recognized several bodies from his travels, and identified the Deva Path as Yahiko. 893
• Reported to Konoha that Nagato led Akatsuki and possessed the Rinnegan, while also relaying information about the masked man believed to be Madara and the threat posed by Liao Wu. 913
• His report described the Rinnegan’s six categories of power, including the Deva Path’s attraction and repulsion, the Animal Path’s summons, the Preta Path’s chakra absorption, and the Asura Path’s weaponry. 931
• Suspected that the ancient Uchiha at Rōran had killed the Great Toad Sage to eliminate the disadvantage posed by prophetic dreams. He connected the report of a feline attacker to the black-and-white cat form seen inside Rōran’s barrier, though Shima questioned aspects of his theory. 927

Paradise of Intimacy

Jiraiya developed the genjutsu Paradise of Intimacy specifically to counter Liao Wu’s illusion techniques. 276

Power Progression

Equipment / Items

• Mount Myōboku Summoning Scroll — A hereditary contract scroll that Jiraiya later had Shisui sign. He defended his right to share it by stating that his family’s relationship with Mount Myōboku predated Konoha’s establishment. 330 332
• Paradise of Intimacy series — His published erotic novels. During his earlier recovery at Mount Myōboku, he was already writing, but the narrative still described his work at that stage as wholesome. He later continued writing sequels while training Naruto and gathering intelligence. 113 874
• Flying Thunder God Mark — Minato placed his personal mark on Jiraiya before the Amegakure rescue mission, allowing an emergency extraction. 158
• Flying Thunder God coordinate — Liao Wu later engraved a coordinate on Jiraiya’s wrist for use if he needed rescue. 859
• Naruto’s Flying Thunder God Kunai — Received before the Kumogakure investigation mission. Naruto offered to teleport to the team if a Mount Myōboku toad notified him of danger; Jiraiya retained the kunai but declared that he did not intend to rely on that assistance during the mission. 1006 1007

Relationships

• Sarutobi Hiruzen — Mentor and former team leader; Hiruzen accepted Jiraiya as a disciple despite his poor academy record. Jiraiya later interpreted his teacher’s feelings toward Orochimaru through the enduring affection of a parent for a child. 15 929
• Tsunade — Fellow Sannin, lifelong comrade, and the woman Jiraiya loves. He repeatedly risks his life for her and ultimately dies protecting her. He accepts that she has never loved him romantically, but their bond is portrayed as extending beyond romance or family through decades of shared danger. 156 160 530
• Orochimaru — Fellow Sannin and former teammate; their contrasting ideals repeatedly put them at odds, though Jiraiya still considers him a comrade. Jiraiya once took Madara’s sword through the heart to save him. After his later resurrection, Jiraiya’s request to date Orochimaru was followed by a private appeal for help avoiding an arranged relationship. 18 24 33 530 595 596
• Minato Namikaze — Jiraiya’s true disciple. Jiraiya trusts Minato’s talent, yields the Two Great Toad Sages’ partnership to him, and regards him as a shinobi with unmatched potential. Their bond is also familial: Jiraiya treated Minato as his own son, and Minato defended his teacher’s decision to rescue Tsunade despite the elders’ criticism. 82 178 235 512
• Uzumaki Kushina — Minato’s wife, whom Jiraiya treated as a daughter-in-law. She and Minato regarded him as a father figure, leading Shima to withhold news of his death while Kushina was training so as not to disrupt her state of mind. 512 564
• Nagato — Former disciple and Rinnegan wielder. Jiraiya once believed Nagato might be the Child of Prophecy, but later confronted him as Akatsuki’s leader. He rejects Nagato’s plan for peace through mass suffering and feels responsible for failing to guide him longer. He remembers the young Nagato as withdrawn, sensitive, kind, and quick to cry. 38 890 891 928 929
• Konan — Former disciple whose reunion with Jiraiya is marked by affection, resentment, and ideological conflict. His death deeply affected her despite their opposing allegiances. 160 531 890
• Yahiko — Former disciple whose death drove Nagato and Konan away from Jiraiya’s ideal of peace through understanding. Jiraiya later recognized Yahiko’s body as the Deva Path of Pain. 890 893
• Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima — His Mount Myōboku partners, Sage Chakra refiners, combat allies, and rescuers. Shima has known him since infancy and regards him as a son. 30 168 564
• Great Toad Sage — Gave Jiraiya prophecies concerning his disciples and, later, an evil force from the past. His warning redirected Jiraiya’s investigation toward Rōran. Following the sage’s death, Jiraiya suspected that the ancient Uchiha had targeted him because of his prophetic abilities. 827 891 927
• Uchiha Shisui — Later disciple. Jiraiya accepted Shisui because of his humility, courage, and willingness to destroy his own eyes rather than let them be misused. He defended Shisui against the elders’ suspicion and declared that he would not allow another Liao Wu to emerge through such prejudice. 326 332 333
• Liao Wu / Ryobu Uchiha — Childhood friend, former academy classmate, and later adversary. Jiraiya repeatedly tries to persuade him to return to Konoha, while Liao Wu alternates between fighting, reviving, and imprisoning him. Jiraiya believed their former friendship gave him insight into Liao Wu’s opposition to Madara’s Moon Eye Plan. 6 162 163 178 595
• Naruto / Liao Wu’s assumed identity — Jiraiya recognizes Naruto’s aptitude for the Flying Thunder God Technique and hopes he will surpass Minato and change the ninja world. Believing Naruto especially suited to senjutsu, he recommends early Mount Myōboku training for him. He regards Minato’s son as a grandson and is moved to pride when Naruto offers the departing Kumogakure team Flying Thunder God support. 842 859 947 1006
• Kakashi, Sakura, and Sai — His companions on the mission to investigate Sasuke’s activities in Kumogakure. Sai provides aerial transport with a Giant Ink Eagle, while Jiraiya shares historical information with the team during the journey. 1006 1007
• Danzō Shimura — A village elder whose methods Jiraiya considers too cold and merciless. Danzō challenged his decision to give Shisui access to Mount Myōboku, and his later attack on Tsunade killed Jiraiya when Jiraiya intervened. 178 332 333 530

Story Role / Major Arcs

Madara Uchiha’s Return

Jiraiya joins Tsunade and Orochimaru against Madara and the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path. He uses Sage Mode, Hair Needle Senbon, and sage-enhanced Fire Style, but Madara seals Fukasaku and Shima before severely injuring Jiraiya. 24 31

When Madara threatens Orochimaru, Jiraiya pushes his teammate aside and takes a sword through the heart in his place. His injuries leave him close to death, but Fukasaku brings him to Mount Myōboku, where the Slug Sage’s treatment preserves his heart meridian. 33 38 58

After recovering enough to speak, Jiraiya identifies the danger posed by Madara and argues that only a ninja alliance can confront him. He also connects Madara’s missing eyes to Nagato’s Rinnegan. 37 38

Rescue of Tsunade and Battle with Ryobu

Jiraiya enters Uchiha-controlled Amegakure to stop Tsunade’s marriage to Liao Wu, facing Madara, Ryobu, and hundreds of enemy jōnin. He refuses to retreat despite the odds. 156 160

He battles Ryobu outside the village to protect Amegakure’s civilians. Although he deploys Sage Mode, the Two Great Toad Sages, Toad Song, Gama-Gama, Rasengan, and giant toad summons, Ryobu’s overwhelming chakra and Wood Style leave him exhausted and defeated. 161 165 167 168

After his Reverse Summoning to Mount Myōboku, Jiraiya returns to Konoha upon learning that Minato has lost an arm. The village elders condemn his disobedience and blame his rescue attempt for Minato’s injury, though Minato defends his teacher’s refusal to abandon someone he loves. Jiraiya reports Liao Wu’s Wood Style and predicts with certainty that Liao Wu will eventually betray Madara because he opposes the Moon Eye Plan. 178

Takigakure and the Seven-Tails

Jiraiya arrives with Konoha Anbu and summons Gama Ken to stop Kakuzu’s attacks on Takigakure’s shinobi. He then confronts Nagato and Konan over their participation in the attack, arguing against Nagato’s defense of the Moon Eye Plan. When the Seven-Tails prepares a Tailed Beast Ball, Jiraiya raises an Earth Flow Rampart to protect the village’s defenders. 269 271

Jiraiya intervenes when Ryobu attacks Konoha’s Anbu and later confronts him over the capture of the Seven-Tails. He coordinates with Minato and Shisui, using Sage Mode and the Two Great Toad Sages to resist Ryobu’s Senju Great Buddha. 281 293

Though Takigakure is destroyed and the Seven-Tails is taken, Jiraiya helps secure intelligence on Madara’s Rinnegan through Shisui and considers the information a major victory. 296

With Shisui’s permission, he later reports Kotoamatsukami’s ability to Konoha’s leadership. He also opposes sending the young Itachi to war before his childhood has ended. 317

Shisui’s Apprenticeship

Jiraiya accepts Shisui as a disciple despite opposition from Koharu and Homura. He acknowledges that Shisui already has an established combat style and that his own practical instruction may be limited, but promises the protection and support of both himself and Minato. The apprenticeship also carries political significance by linking an Uchiha prodigy to Hiruzen’s line of students. 329 330

His attempt to let Shisui sign Mount Myōboku’s inherited summoning contract brings him into direct conflict with Danzō and the elders. Jiraiya rejects their suspicions as inherited prejudice and insists that Shisui has not used Kotoamatsukami against his comrades. Danzō temporarily halts the signing by threatening to summon the reanimated Second Hokage. 332 333

Death and Resurrection

During the conflict in Amegakure, Jiraiya intercepts Danzō’s Vacuum Bullet and dies saving Tsunade. His act is portrayed as instinctive loyalty to a comrade with whom he had fought for more than thirty years. 530

His final words ask Tsunade to live, urge Liao Wu to spare Konoha, and encourage her to find happiness away from conflict. Tsunade’s desperate use of the Hundred Seal cannot save him. His death devastates her and also deeply affects Nagato, Konan, Orochimaru, and the Mount Myōboku sages. 530 531 564

His body is preserved in a Wood Style coffin beneath Hōzuki Castle, guarded in an underground chamber. Liao Wu and his companions later revive him with the Sage Talisman supplied by the Great Toad Sage. Upon returning to life, he immediately resolves to fight for Konoha again, prompting Liao Wu to imprison him in Hōzuki Castle to keep him out of the war. Liao Wu handcuffs him and places a Spore inside him as a means of control. 589 595

When Liao Wu attempts to arrange a wife for him, Jiraiya refuses to replace his feelings for Tsunade with an arbitrary relationship. His apparent proposal to date Orochimaru leads to a private request for help escaping the arrangement. 595 596

Reconnaissance and Diplomatic Exchanges

Jiraiya and Gama Bunta hold off Fish Ball to allow Konoha’s reconnaissance shinobi to escape. Their Toad Oil Flame Bullet is repelled by Shinra Tensei, and they withdraw after recognizing that Fish Ball possesses the Deva Path’s power. 761

He later negotiates with Candy for the release of captured Leaf shinobi, agreeing to exchange two sealing techniques for Sakumo and one for each additional captive. 810

During negotiations involving Kumogakure’s prisoners, Jiraiya delivers the Lightning Chakra Mode scroll exchanged for Yugito. He also proposes an exchange of envoys, after which Liao Wu appoints Hikari to represent the Land of U in Konoha. 812

Naruto’s Origins and Inheritance

After Naruto demonstrates Wood Style, Tsunade summons Jiraiya to reveal his parentage. Jiraiya confirms that Naruto is the son of Minato Namikaze and Uzumaki Kushina. The encounter revives his guilt over being absent when Minato and Kushina died and over failing to shield their child from the village’s hostility. 842

The revelation prompts discussion of Minato and Kushina’s legacy. Jiraiya supports postponing the issue of Minato’s inheritance, and he and Tsunade consider whether political enemies exposed Naruto’s jinchūriki identity. Jiraiya initially suggests Orochimaru or Fugaku, while Tsunade argues that Danzō is more likely to have sought Naruto’s isolation as a way to bring him into Root. 844 845

Recognizing Naruto’s unexpected mastery of Flying Thunder God, Jiraiya admits that he had previously focused too narrowly on teaching him to control the Nine-Tails. He renews his hope that Naruto will surpass Minato and become the Child of Prophecy. Liao Wu, acting under Naruto’s identity and influenced by Naruto’s attachments, places a Flying Thunder God coordinate on Jiraiya’s wrist and offers emergency assistance through the toads. 859

Akatsuki Investigation

Jiraiya uncovers that Akatsuki’s leader is based in Amegakure and volunteers to infiltrate the village alone. Before departing, he warns Tsunade of the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy concerning a power with one Sharingan and one Rinnegan. 873 874

Disguised as a Rain shinobi, he enters Amegakure but is detected by Nagato’s Rain Tiger Will Technique. Konan exposes him, forcing a confrontation with the former students Jiraiya still intends to save. 889 890

Nagato reveals that Akatsuki intends to create a weapon from the Tailed Beasts capable of destroying a nation. Jiraiya understands that Nagato seeks peace, but condemns his plan to achieve it by inflicting catastrophic suffering. As their battle escalates, the Two Great Toad Sages arrive with a prophecy warning of a still greater threat at the Rōran Ruins. Jiraiya reluctantly leaves the confrontation to investigate it. 891

Rōran Investigation and Return to Konoha

At Rōran, Jiraiya and the Two Great Toad Sages find a Six Red Yang Formation they cannot breach. They hide as Nagato and the Six Paths of Pain arrive, using the opportunity to observe the Paths. Jiraiya recognizes several bodies as people he encountered during his travels and identifies the Deva Path as Yahiko. 893

Each Path is connected to his past: the Asura Path resembles a puppet master, the Human Path a Takigakure teacher, the Animal Path a Fūma shinobi whom he scarred in battle, the Preta Path a dissatisfied Kusagakure shinobi, and the Naraka Path a religious leader. 893

Back in Konoha, Jiraiya reports that Akatsuki’s leader is his former student Nagato and that Nagato possesses the Rinnegan. The discussion also addresses the masked man believed to be Madara Uchiha and the threat posed by Liao Wu. When challenged over his failure to report Nagato’s eyes earlier, Jiraiya accepts responsibility. 913

Following the Great Toad Sage’s death, Jiraiya proposes that the ancient Uchiha seen at Rōran infiltrated Mount Myōboku to silence his prophetic dreams. Shima questions why such an attacker would have killed only the Great Toad Sage, leaving Jiraiya’s explanation as a suspicion rather than a confirmed conclusion. 927

Tsunade later questions why he kept gathering intelligence after his infiltration was exposed. Jiraiya explains that guilt over Nagato’s fate made him reluctant to leave his former student behind. 928

Later Threat Assessment

When Liao Wu seeks women from several major villages, including Tsunade, Jiraiya suspects his choices may serve a purpose beyond attraction because many of the women hold influential positions or have political connections. 943

Jiraiya originally intended to wait until Naruto reached adulthood before arranging senjutsu training, when his chakra reserves and physical abilities would be more developed. The increasingly urgent threats lead him to support an earlier start. 927 928

When Koharu argues that Naruto must remain in Konoha to defend it, Jiraiya supports teaching him without removing him from the village. Fukasaku and Shima agree to return after handling the Great Toad Sage’s affairs and conduct the training in Konoha, despite Mount Myōboku being a more favorable training environment. 928

With Akatsuki and the Uchiha threats still looming, Jiraiya recommends that Naruto begin Mount Myōboku’s senjutsu training earlier than usual. Sage Fukasaku cites Jiraiya’s belief that Naruto has greater potential for it than either Jiraiya or Minato. 947

Kumogakure Investigation

Jiraiya and Tsunade discuss the danger of Sasuke joining Kumogakure and agree to investigate the circumstances of his attack there. Tsunade approves a team consisting of Jiraiya, Kakashi, Sakura, and Sai. Jiraiya refuses to take Naruto because allowing the Nine-Tails jinchūriki to leave Konoha would expose him to danger. 1006

Before departure, Naruto distributes Flying Thunder God kunai and asks the team to contact him through Mount Myōboku’s toads if they encounter an enemy they cannot handle. The gesture and Naruto’s resemblance to Minato move Jiraiya, who silently expresses pride that his disciple’s child has become someone remarkable. 1006

Jiraiya acknowledges that Naruto is now Konoha’s strongest shinobi, with Flying Thunder God, Wood Style, Nine-Tails chakra, and sealing techniques. Nevertheless, he insists that he is still Naruto’s teacher and declares that he will not rely on Naruto’s Flying Thunder God for this mission. The team departs aboard Sai’s Giant Ink Eagle. 1007

During the flight, Jiraiya reflects on how Minato’s attachments both defined him and prevented him from escaping death. He also shares information learned from Tsunade about Mito Uzumaki, her marriage to Hashirama, and the Uzumaki Clan’s contribution to Konoha’s sealing techniques. He presents Mito’s identity as the first Nine-Tails jinchūriki as his reasoned judgment rather than something he personally witnessed. 1007

Notable Quotes

“Then I will never return!” — on entering Amegakure to rescue Tsunade. 156

“Hand over the Seven-Tails, or you won’t be leaving today.” 293

“I truly don't know what you went through, but Konan, what Akatsuki has done is wrong.” 890

“If I'd stayed with Nagato back then and taught him more carefully, perhaps he wouldn't have become what he is today!” 928

“Naruto, you may be strong now, but I'll always be your teacher.” 1007

Trivia

• Jiraiya was 38 years old at the time stated in the narrative. 330
• He is described as a Daoist successor who has also studied Buddhist scriptures. 291
• His greatest weakness in battle is his susceptibility to sexual temptation, which Ryobu specifically weaponized through forbidden techniques and genjutsu. 163 164
• Although he calls himself the Toad Sage, he cannot maintain Sage Mode as a constant state; his unresolved attachments prevent him from becoming a “true Sage” with the longevity associated with that realm. 810
• The narrative connects his family background and toad techniques to Ereye Gōketsudan, in which Jiraiya is the son of a powerful family, learns toad sage arts, loves Tsunade Hime, and opposes the snake-user Orochimaru. 330
• He jokingly declines Shima’s offer to introduce him to a female toad after learning of Tsunade’s impending marriage. 127
• His public reputation for lechery contrasts with the narrative’s suggestion that he might still be a virgin; this is presented as a possibility, not a confirmed fact. 596